Long-acting injectable antipsychotics during COVID-19

There is great value in the collective lessons learned during this public health emergency (eg, the need for a flexible, population health-based approach; acceptability of combination telehealth and in-person visits) that can lead to more person-centered and accessible care for patients with SMI.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank North Suffolk Mental Health Association, the Freedom Trail Clinic, and their patients.

Bottom Line

When caring for a patient with a psychotic illness during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, evaluate whether it is necessary to continue a longacting injectable antipsychotic (LAI). If yes, reconsider which LAI should be administered, when and where it should be given, and by whom. Implement safety measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission.

Related Resources

• American Association of Community Psychiatrists. Clinical Tip Series. Long acting antipsychotic medications. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1unigjmjFJkqZMbaZ_ftdj8oqog49awZs/view?usp=sharing
• SMI Adviser. What are clinical considerations for giving LAIs during the COVID-19 public health emergency? https://smiadviser.org/knowledge_post/what-are-clinical-considerations-for-giving-lais-during-the-covid-19-public-health-emergency
• CDC. Infection control basics. https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/basics/index.html

Drug Brand Names

Aripiprazole • Abilify
Aripiprazole for extended- release injectable suspension • Abilify Maintena
Aripiprazole lauroxil • Aristada
Haloperidol • Haldol
Haloperidol injection • Haldol decanoate
Olanzapine • Zyprexa
Olanzapine for extended-release injectable suspension • Zyprexa Relprevv
Paliperidone • Invega
Paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension • Invega Sustenna
Paliperidone palmitate extended-release injectable suspension • Invega Trinza
Risperidone • Risperdal
Risperidone for extended- release injectable suspension • Perseris
Risperidone injection • Risperdal Consta